Thermostatically operated electric switch



Aug. 16, 1949. C, v NEWB|LL 2,479,179

THERMOSTATICALLY OPERATE ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed July 20, 1948 ra/PA/y Patented ug. 16, 1949 THERMOSTATICALLY OPERATED ELECTRIC SWITCH Carl V. Newbll, Portland, Greg. Application July zo, 194s, serial Nc. 39,613

(C1. zoo-11s) 1 claim. l

This inver "on relates generally 'to electric switches and particularly to those which are thermostatically operated.

The main object of this invention is to provide a normally open switch adapted to be closed whenever an arc is formed across the contact points of the switch.

The second object is to provide a convenient and inexpensive means for reducing the hazards and inconveniences caused by leaks which occur in installations where a section of -a gas tube sign has become inoperative.

I accomplish these and other objects in the manner set forth in the following specification as illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view showing the manner in which the switch is installed.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section through the device, showing its normal position.

Fig. 3 is an end elevation of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but showing the switch in a closed position.

Fig. 5 is a section on the line 5--5 of Fig. 4.

Like numbers of reference refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring in detail to the drawing, there is shown a sign composed of the letters I0, II and I2 which1 in this case, spell out the word gas. Current is supplied from a transformer I3 which is fed from a power line I4.

High voltage current is supplied tc the gas lled tubes I0, Il and I2 from the transformer I3 through the leads I5 and I6.

The letter I0 is connected to the letter I I by means of a lead I1. The letter II is connected to the letter I2 by means of the lead i8. Such installations are in common use.

Referring particularly to my invention, which resides in the switch itself, same consists of a glass tube I8, the ends of which are closed by the corks and 2i. 2| extend the electrodes 22 and 23 whose innermost ends terminate in rings 24 and 25 which are spaced from each other but which may lie as close to the tube I9 as desired.

On the adjacent ends of the electrodes 22 and 23 are mounted the metallic caps 26 and 21 which fuse at a relatively low temperature. The convex faces 28 and 29 of the caps 26 and 21 are spaced from each other and constitute a gap which'will not be jumped by the current as long as it can flow across its respective gas filled tube I0, I I or I2.

One electrode 22 is joined to the lead I1 and Through the corks 20 and Cil its companion electrode 23 is joined to the lead I5, forming a shunt switch around the letter I0. That is, if the tube l0 should fail and no current pass therethrough, the current would arc across the space between the caps 26 and 21 and fuse them, bringing about a condition as shown in Fig. 4 and restoring the remainder of the sign as well as avoiding the charging of the fixture with a high potential current.

Between the leads I1 and I8 of the letter II is placed a second switch whose electrode 22 is joined to the lead I1 and whose electrode 23 is joined to the lead I8.

Between the leads I8 and I B is placed a third switch whose electrode 22 is joined to the lead I8 and the electrode 23 is joined to the lead I6.

It can be seen from the foregoing that, regardless of the positions of the sign or switches, any arc formed across the caps26 and 21 will fuse them and permit current to flow directli7 across the bridge between the electrodes 22 and 23.

When installing these switches, no special brackets or mounts are required as their light weight makes it possible to suspend them from their own electrodes 22 and 23.

Attention is drawn to my U. S. Patent 2,464,- 340, over which the present invention is an mprovement.

I claim:

A switch of the class described consisting of a glass tube having a cork plug closing each end thereof, each of said plugs having an axial electrode extending therethrough, the innermost end of each electrode having a ring formed thereon, normal thereto, each of said rings having `mounted thereon a fusible cap, the adjacent faces of which are spaced from each other, the volume of metal in said caps being sufcient to bridge the gap between said rings when said caps are fused in any position.

CARL V. NEWBILL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,221,232 Sherman Apr. 3, 1917 1,224,172 Jackson May l, 1917 1,874,407 Young Aug. 30, 1932 1,955,571 Wood Apr. 17, 1934 1,971,194 McEachron et al. Aug. 21, 1934 2,056,118 Basse Sept. 29, 1936 

